Italian Defense Giant Leonardo Opens Subsidiary in Ukraine

Italian defense giant Leonardo has established a subsidiary in Ukraine, Leonardo Ukraine. The Kyiv-registered company will focus primarily on research and development (R&D).

Euractiv reported this, citing Leonardo’s semi-annual financial report and a statement from a company representative.

The new entity has an authorized capital of ₴5.1 million (around €100,000) and is wholly owned by the parent company through its subsidiary, Leonardo International. Representatives of the group noted that all legal procedures required to begin full-scale operations in Ukraine have already been completed.

The company’s main areas of activity will include the development of communication and navigation systems, software, IT services, as well as electronic and optical technologies. This will enable the Italian manufacturer to integrate into the Ukrainian defense innovation ecosystem, in particular by participating in projects of the Brave1 cluster.

Leonardo manufactures a wide range of weapons. The company produces M-346 jet trainers, C-27J Spartan military transport aircraft, AW139 and AW149 helicopters, Oto Melara 76/62 naval artillery systems, as well as the Kronos family radars.

The Italian company plans to test its latest air defense system, Michelangelo, in Ukraine.

Combat testing could begin at the end of 2026, according to the company’s CEO, Roberto Cingolani.